Thousands of Palestinians in the West Bank have demonstrated in support of Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.

The rallies were held in Hebron and Bethlehem. Mr Abbas visited the two cities on Sunday. The Fatah movement supporters want him to remain in politics.

Earlier this week Mr Abbas announced he would not be standing in the forthcoming Palestinian elections because of the lack of progress in the peace negotiations with Israel. He succeeded Yasser Arafat as Palestinian Authority president fives years ago and efforts to ensure a peace accord have been central to his policies.

Israeli President Shimon Peres has called on Mr Abbas to change his mind and stand for re-election, arguing that Israel genuinely wants peace.

photo: Mahmoud Abbas (ANP)